PHOENIX — With golden algae levels lower than previous samples, the Arizona Game and Fish Department informed the Forest Service on August 14 that Saguaro Lake can resume hosting fishing tournaments.

Fishing tournaments temporarily were suspended in June when golden algae (Prymnesium parvum) blooms developed over large portions of Saguaro Lake. Golden algae produces a toxin (prymnesin) that affects any organism with gills.

PHOENIX - The U.S. Forest Service (UFS) has been notified by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) that fishing tournaments at Apache and Canyon Lakes can resume, effective immediately.

Fishing tournaments were temporarily suspended when golden alga (Prymnesium parvum) blooms developed over large portions of the lakes. Golden alga produces a toxin (prymnesin) that affects any organism with gills. Although golden alga is still present, the blooms have subsided considerably and are no longer producing toxin.

Bass fishing on Roosevelt Lake is good. As bass transition to a summer pattern, anglers are using drop-shot, Texas-Rig and Carolina-Rig techniques. Artificial baits such as worms, lizards, crawdads were all recently reported successful by experienced anglers. The water condition has improved dramatically and is now clear down to 15 foot. The more stable June temperatures will steadily increase the lake water temperature. Anglers who enjoy night-time fishing are anticipating the upcoming full moon to launch an hour before sunset and fish “after-dark.”

Fishing conditions are improving as the water is starting to flow out of Roosevelt Lake. Water is slowly being released for now, however, the rates will increase as the downstream demand grows for summer usage. The impact on the fishing has been that the algae in Roosevelt Lake mostly dissipated. Bass fishing conditions are being called good by local experienced anglers. The water temperature is in the mid 70s and the water clarity is slightly stained.

Well I know this triple-digit weather can take the wind out of an anglers’ sails but there are still some great opportunities in this late spring season. The striper are in the process of spawning or post spawn — finally — which means they will be more intrigued and aggressive to eat.

The colder weather in Rim Country clearly has impacted the fishing. Many anglers reported a slow bite on the clear days following the recent rain and snow storms. The water temperature continues to fall in Roosevelt Lake and is now in the high 50s degrees during the warmest time of the day. In addition, the flows into the lake have returned to normal levels for this time of year for both the Salt River and Tonto Creek.